Method and apparatus for removing liquids and gases from manholes, pits, and the like



Jan. 9, 1934. M. c. REED 1,942,570

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING LIQUIDS AND GASES FROM MANHOLES, FITS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 8, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l III "III",

W INVIZNTOR. & A Me/v/h C. Reed 1 0 z. W

A TTORNE Y.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY.

M. C. REED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING LIQUIDS AND Jan. 9, 1934.

GASES FROM MANHOLES, FITS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 8, 1930 m R m%: W mm a Q J 5 m. 4 4 0/0 M m ad 4// M\; E i u, 5 9 /\v& a m x? NT K \X\ n 1- 4m ONO 00.00 000 0% r I| I!!! c o Q 0 a Z p 1 6 M w 5 2 7. a b

Patented Jan. 9 1934 PATENT OFFICE IMETHOD A AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING LIQUIDS AND' GASES FROM MANHOLES,

PITS, AND THE LIKE Melvin CrReed, Rutherford, N. J., assignor to Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application August 8,1930. Serial No. 473,891 A 6 Claims. (01. 230-87) This invention relates to the freeing of manholes, pits, excavations and the like of liquids as well as of dangerous gases or noxious fumes which may gather therein. It covers both a method and apparatus for practicing the same. More particularly the invention relates to small, compact, power actuated pumping units as the'preferred form for the apparatus.

Most of the small'pumps in .useat the present 10 time for manhole and pit work are of the suction type which are placed upon the surface above the pit and require priming before they will start to pump. The usual maximum lift is not more than twenty feet. If pumps of the immersion type are used the prime movers therefore are disposed at or near the top of the pit so that they require extended connections or shafts and a relatively rigid framework of some kind. As such they arerelatively heavy and awkward and interfere with the freedom of movement of workers in the pit.

One object of the invention is to effect the rapid removal of liquids and gases which may gather in manholes, pits and the like. Another object is to provide a small, compact, power pump which may be wholly submerged in the liquid to be removed and to avoid framework in or over a pit or priming or adjustments of heavy connections between pump and prime mover. Another object is to combine with an impeller pump a fluid pressure motor and to utilize the exhaust motive fluid from the prime mover to clear the atmosphere ofdangerous gases or fumes so that workmen may safely enter and remain at work. 'Another object is to provide light weight self-contained power pumping apparatus capable of effecting lift of liquid to heights two and three times that of suction pumps, and in general to improve prior methods and devices for pumping. Still other 40 objects will be apparent from the detailed description which follows.

The present invention involvesthe close ,coupling of a small high speed impeller pump with a fluid pressure prime mover to form a small, compact, self-contained light weight unit. Preferably the prime mover is of the rotary type operated by compressed air. The entire unit may be immersed in the liquid to be pumped and the exhaust motive fluid issuing at the bottom of the pit or beneath the liquid level quickly disperses dangerous or noxious gases and, fumes by displacing the same and provides a supply of fresh air for any workmen whomay be in the pit.

In order to illustrate the invention one conj crete embodiment thereof is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is an elevational view of the apparatus indicating its manner of use at the bottom of a manhole or pit; and

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view through the unit with the motive fluid supply pipe and the pump discharge pipe removed.

Fig. 1' illustrates the method of clearing a pit or manhole of both liquid and accumulated gases or fumes, as well as the apparatus by which these results are accomplished. Briefly the apparatus consists of a light, compact, power operated unit which includes a fluid pressure or pneumatic motor indicated generally at A, which motor is pref erably of the rotary type, and an impeller pump,

indicated generally at B, in axially spaced relation with motor A and driven by the latter. Motive fluid for motor A is supplied to one end of the unit by a supply pipe 0. and the liquid to be pumped enters pump B, through an inlet opening batthe opposite end of the unit. The discharge or, exhaust motive fluid issues from motor A through one or more discharge openings a. in the side thereof while the discharge of the pump B is carried away from outletb to the surface or other suitable'place by means of a large hose or flexible, conduit b Fig. 1 illustrates the normal operating position of the pump unit,.which is lowered by means of the two hose connections a and b to the bottom of the pit X, where the unit may be entirely submerged in the liquid 0:, such as water, which has gathered in the pit. As motor A operates pump B the water is carried out of the pit through discharge pipe b and the exhaust .motive fluid (compressed air) issuing through exhaust ports a bubbles up through the liquid :1:

. and displaces the gases in pit X above the liquid level. The exhaust motive fluid also creates turbulence and circulation in the atmosphere in pit X so thatall dangerous gases and noxious fumes are quickly carried away" A legged support C maintains pump inlet b in spaced relation with the bottom of the pit and has a portion provided with perforations c of predetermined size extending across the inlet b to serve as a screen and to prevent the blocking of pump B.

The internal and structural details of the pumping unit will be clear from the sectional view shown in Fig. 2. The motor casing may comprise three parts--a back head 3, motor cylinder 4, and front head 5. The motive fluid inlet ct is connected to back head 3 by suitable coupling means'and the entering motive fluid passes through a strainer 4 into live air chamber 5 whence it passes to and through a governor casing 6. Admission of motive fluid to the motor is controlled by a throttle valve '7 of any suitable or desired type arranged to be actuated by a manual control handle 8. A shaft 9 extends entirely through cylinder 4 and front head 5 and projects into a back head 3 where a bearing 10 of .the ball or any other desired type is provided. This end of the shaft 9 carries the pivoted weights 11 forming a part of the governor mechanism, whereby racing of motor A is prevented when-the unit is operated without load. While any suitable or desired type of fluid pressure motor may be used, a simple form of rotary motor is preferred, that shown having a rotor piston 12 carrying a series of blades 13 which engage the inner wall of cylinder 4. The motive fluid is admitted axially of the motor and enters the piston chamber rearwardly of each of the blades 13 through a series of ports 14, the exhaust motive fluid finding its way into a discharge chamber beneath an annular deflector 15 whence it passes through ports a (Fig. 1) to atmosphere.

In front head 5 shaft 9 has spaced bearings at 16 and 17 which together with bearing 10 maintain the shaft rigidly in place but permit free rotary movement. If desirable for practical purposes, such as convenience of assembly, shaft 9 may be sectional with internal gears or coupling means at 18. Casing 5 serves to space pump A and motor B and may be as short as desired to produce a close coupling effect and to reduce weight. In the present instance the front head 5 is of sufficient length to provide a convenient grip for the hand of the operator when the unit is to be transported. A retainer sleeve 19 has threaded engagement with the free end of front head 5 and serves to hold bearing 17 as well as packings 20 in place. The retainer extension on sleeve 19 which engages bearing 17 is of reduced diameter, as indicated, and of sufficient width to provide an annular groove in which packing material 21 is disposed. Shaft 9 extends well beyond retainer sleeve 19, as indicated, and has a threaded end 9a.

Pump B includes a somewhat irregular annular casing 22 having a reduced extension 22a, the end of which is sleeved over retainer sleeve 19 and may be slit, as indicated in Fig. 1, with slightly spaced ears 221) which are perforated to receive a clamping bolt 23 by which the split portions are drawn together and securely clamped upon retainer sleeve 10. Within casing 22 and in telescoping threaded engagement with end 9a of shaft 9 is a rotary member or impeller 24 having a radially extending flange 24a carrying on its lower face a series of curved impeller blades 24b which direct liquid entering through inlet opening 22 in the stepped cover plate 25' into the spiral discharge chamber 26 in casing 22, whence the liquid is directed to discharge opening I) and thence through conduit b (Fig. 1) to the surface. Impeller blades 24b are tapered or reduced outwardly as indicated in Fig. 2, and the upper face of the stepped closure member 25 is correspondingly shaped. Impeller member 24 inwardly of its blade portion, is in the form of a cylindrical block surrounding the free end of shaft 9 and substantially filling the annular chamber Within the sleeve extension of pump casing 22 It has an axiallyextending flange portion 240 which telescopes within the reduced portion of retainer sleeve 19 to abut bearing '17 and to be engaged by packing 21 to keep liquid out of bearing 17. Member 24 may have a series of ports 24d through its radial flange portion 240; to produce a balancing of pressures on the opposite sides of the same.

From the above it will be apparent that the pump unit herein disclosed is of compact arrangement and sturdy design. The unit illustrated. is 24 inches in overall length, weighs but 44 pounds and has a capacity of 100 gallons per minute at a 28 foot lift. It will raise liquids to 63 feet and steady capacities are maintained up to and including a 50 foot lift. The motor uses approximately 50 cubic feet of compressed air per minute, which is discharged at the bottom of the manhole or pit to displace the atmosphere therein and to carry away dangerous gases and fumes. By preference a 2 -inch water hose is used for the outlet and a %-inch air line. The unit can be easily taken from job to job on account of its light weight and flexible connections. It eliminates the use of rigid pipes or heavily re-enforced hose, as on suction pumps, as well as bulky supports, long extensions and shafts, whichare necessary with apparatus in which the prime mover must be supported at. or near the surface.

In using the apparatus the throttle control 8 is turned to the "on position and then the unit is lowered to the bottom of the pit by means of the two hose connections a and b ernor arrangement on the motor prevents racing of'the same when the unit is being lowered or raised from the pit. The motor may be entirely submerged without damage. It can be stopped and started as desired while submerged but it. is preferable to keep it running while beneath th liquid level since the liquid which finds its way into the motor when the latter is stopped tends to displace the lubricant when the motor is again put in operation.

While the invention has been herein disclosed both as to method and apparatus aspects in what is now considered to be a preferred form, it is to be understood that the invention is not The govlimited to the specific details thereof but covers.

all changes, modifications, and adaptations within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention: I

1. In a portable pumping unit, the combination of a motor casing, a fluid pressure motor therein having a shaft extending beyond said casing, a bearing for said shaft in the outer end 'of said casing, a retainer sleeve secured to the outer end of said casing to maintain said bearmg in place, said sleeve having aportion over-.

hanging the projecting end of said shaft, an

. ingin place, said sleeve having a portion over- ,hanging theprojecting end of said shaft, and having an internal groove containing packing material, an impeller on said shaft having a portion in telescoping engagement with the over- ,hanging portion of said sleeve and engaged by .j the packing material in said groove to keepliquid out of said bearing, and a pump casing enclosing said impeller and secured to said retainen sleeve.

3. In a portable pumping unit, the combination of a motor casing, a fluid pressure motor therein having a shaft extending beyond said casing, a bearing for said shaft in the outer end of said casing, a retainer sleeve secured to the outer end of said casing to maintain said bearing in place, said sleeve having a portion overhanging the projecting end of said shaft and having an internal groove containing packing material, an impeller having a cylindrical portion sleeved over said shaft and a reduced cylindrical portion in telescoping engagement with the overhanging portion of said sleeve to engage the packing material in said groove and keep liquid out of said bearing, a pump casing inclosing said impeller and having a split inner end telescoping over said retainer sleeve and securely clamped thereon.

4. In a close coupled portable pumping unit having a motor casing, a motor therein, and a shaft projecting beyond said casing, an impeller adapted to be mounted directly on said shaft comprising a cylindrical block for sleeved engagement with said shaft, said block having a reduced portion at one end for telescoping engagement with an overhanging portion of the motor casing and a radial flange at the opposite end provided with impeller blades on its outer face.

5. The method of freeing a manhole or pit of liquid and of dangerous and/or noxious gases and fumes which comprises disposing a compressed air motor-pump unit at the bottom of the pit and submerged below the surface of the liquid, operating the unit by compressed air to pump a continuous stream of liquid from the pit, and causing a continuous flow of exhaust air from the motor below the surface of the liquid whereby to displace the atmosphere in the pit from adjacent the surface of the liquid.

6. In a portable pumping unit for cleaning manholes or pits of liquid and of dangerous and/or noxious gases, the combination of a motor casing, a fluid pressure rotary motor therein operable by compressed air and having a shaft extending beyond said casing at one end, an impeller mounted on the projecting end of said shaft, and a pump casing secured to said end of the motor casing and inclosing said impeller,

said motor and pump being close coupled to provide a light, compact unit adapted to be wholly immersed in the liquid to be pumped and having only two flexible conduits thereto, one for pressure fluid to the motor and the other for the liquid discharge from said pump, said motor casing having an exhaust for motive fluid leading directly into the liquid below the upper level of the motor casing, whereby the exhaust air may be introduced below the surface of the liquid to disperse, rise and lift the gases in the pit.

MELVIN C. REED. 

